LAB MEMBERS
Email: firani@wcupa.edu
Dr. Farzin Irani
Principal Investigator
I am a clinical neuropsychologist whose research has focused on understanding brain-behavior relationships across the lifespan in diverse individuals. I believe that assessments and treatments for brain disorders need to be empirically supported, informed by their neurobiological underpinnings and understood in a cultural context. So, my lab group has focused on research that integrates traditional and computerized neuropsychological assessment with modern neuroimaging methods in diverse populations. My current line of research is focused on examining the relationship between asthma and brain-behavior functions. We are currently running studies looking at how asthma affects thinking, and how it disproportionately affects some groups more than others. We are also planning studies to look at the impact of asthma on the brain as measured through cutting-edge neuroimaging technologies such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). I love research and mentoring and try to excite students about research involving clinical neuropsychology, asthma, cognitive neuroscience and diversity.
Derrick Stahl
Graduate Research Assistant
First year, General MA of Psychology student attending West Chester University. I attended West Chester for my undergraduate studies and majored in Psychology as well. I plan to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology in the future. Currently, I work as a TSS for Devereux and will soon be training in IFC/PCIT to better service families in need. As part of the research lab, I aid in administering the CNB to participants, oversee times and availabilities for participants as well as research assistant, and train researchers to administer the CNB while educating them on the different components of the CNB battery.
Email: DS812200@wcupa.edu
Adessa Flack, MA
Graduate Research Assistant
I am a first year PsyD student with a focus in neuropsychology. I obtained my Master's degree in Clinical Psychology at West Chester University in which I completed over 700 hours of clinical work in a community outpatient clinic. My research focus is traumatic brain injury, particularly the longterm effects of traumatic brain injury sustained in early childhood and adolescence. I hope to expand this research focus through the use of the fNIRS. Aside from working with the NRG lab, I am also a Graduate Assistant for the RUCCAS Program, and I work at the Community Mental Health Clinic on campus. In my free time, my husband and I enjoy volunteering at animal shelters, creating music, and traveling.
Email: AF756732@wcupa.edu
Email: LS858525@wcupa.edu
Lindsay Shima
Former Graduate Research Assistant
Lindsay Shima is a second-year Clinical Psychology MA student at WCU from Media, PA. She earned her B.A. in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 2014. After graduation, she assisted in research at the Applied Cognitive Neuropsychology Lab at USC where she worked on a study using neurofeedback training as a treatment for ADHD. Her research interests include neuropsychology, neuropsychological and cognitive assessment, working memory and executive function, traumatic brain injury, and neuroimaging. She currently interns at AAA Neuropsychology in Malvern, PA and plans to pursue her doctorate in Clinical Psychology with specialization in Neuropsychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, trying new restaurants, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
Danial Hafiz
Undergraduate Member
I am a senior Psychology major here at West Chester. I am interested in neuropsychology and plan to pursue a career in it. After I receive my B.A. in Psychology I hope to attend Graduate School so I can pursue a Masters degree. Regarding psychology, I have participated in other research projects that included working with pre-schoolers in urban areas and working with gorillas at the Philadelphia Zoo. Through working with Dr. Irani's lab, I hope to attain a deeper knowledge of the brain and its functions. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy kicking back and listening to music, watching/playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Email: DH826717@wcupa.edu
Erin Walsh
Undergraduate Member
I am a junior psychology student at West Chester University hoping to specialize in neuropsychology. My research interests lie in traumatic experience and associated neuropsychological effects. Through my work in Dr. Irani's lab, as well as my upcoming internship with the National Eating Disorder Association, I hope to gain valuable experience that will be applicable to a career in neuropsychology. After graduation, I plan to study clinical psychology at the graduate level, continuing to work towards my end goal of becoming a clinical neuropsychologist. In my free time, I enjoy reading, playing music, and spending time with friends.
Email: EW829545@wcupa.edu
LeShell Washington
Undergraduate Member
My name is LeShell Washington and I am currently a junior at West Chester University pursuing a B.A in Psychology with a minor in biology. After my time at West Chester University I plan to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatrician. Through Dr. Irani’s lab I hope to develop a better understanding of cognition, working memory and attention. Outside of the classroom I enjoy reading, practicing yoga and spending quality time with friends and family.
Email: LW826518@wcupa.edu
Navy Spiecker
Undergraduate Member
I am a junior Psychology major with a minor in Deaf Studies. My interests lie in neuropsychology, and I plan to attend graduate school for my PhD after I graduate from West Chester! I am an RA in Commonwealth Hall for the second year in a row, am a member of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, and a sister of Sigma Alpha Iota (the professional women's music fraternity on campus.)
Email: NS859555@wcupa.edu
Jacob Alonso
Undergraduate Member
My name is Jacob Miguel Alonso and I am a senior at West Chester University. I am studying Psychology, and my research interests include genetics, seizures, depression, and CTE.
Email: JA855754@wcupa.edu